Islamabad, August 21, 2024 — In a recent development at the Capital Development Authority (CDA), two senior officers, Director Regional Mr. Asif Majeed Chaudhary and Range Officer Ijaz ul Hassan, have been suspended on charges of inefficiency and misconduct. The suspension, effective from August 9, 2024, was approved by Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa.
The suspension of the officers comes in the wake of a series of controversies surrounding their recent conduct. Mr. Ijaz ul Hassan, who was also holding the additional charge of Assistant Director Protection, had previously been honored with a shield for his performance during the recent fire season. The award was presented by Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa, recognizing Mr. Ijaz’s efforts during the emergency. However, sources have since revealed that the award was influenced by favoritism, with Mr. Asif Majeed Chaudhary purportedly recommending Mr. Ijaz for the honor.
Further scrutiny has exposed several irregularities in Mr. Ijaz ul Hassan’s actions. Despite the accolades, it was discovered that Mr. Ijaz was not actively involved in the firefighting efforts within the Margalla Hills National Parks (MHNP). The real credit for managing the fires, according to insiders, should go to the range officers who were directly engaged in combating the blazes across the park’s four ranges.
The situation intensified when Mr. Ijaz ul Hassan was found to be involved in an advertising controversy. He reportedly promoted Pine City, an illegal housing society located in Haripur and banned by the Galiyat Development Authority, by placing advertisements on streamers within the Capital and Constitutional Avenue. This move drew the ire of environmentalists and legal authorities, leading to a Supreme Court inquiry.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan took note of the matter, which resulted in a call for Chairman CDA to appear before the court. The court's involvement was triggered by allegations that the Pine City developer had made financial payments to the CDA for these unauthorized advertisements. The case has raised concerns about possible corruption and improper conduct within the CDA.
In response to these allegations, the Supreme Court has ordered Mr. Ijaz ul Hassan to appear in person. The court has directed that his WhatsApp messages be reviewed to investigate whether there were any monetary transactions or other exchanges related to the advertisements for Pine City.
The CDA's decision to suspend the officers reflects a broader commitment to address issues of inefficiency and misconduct within the organization. As the investigation continues, the public awaits further details on the charges and the outcomes of the Supreme Court’s scrutiny. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical conduct and the need for rigorous oversight in public institutions.
This incident underscores the challenges faced by regulatory bodies in ensuring that all actions align with legal and ethical standards. The CDA is expected to cooperate fully with the Supreme Court’s investigation to clarify the facts and uphold integrity within its ranks.
